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Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Bulls will face a 'guest' Leominster Town XI when they travel up the A49 in two weeks.

With Leominster withdrawing from the West Midlands League, they will field a "Herefordshire Select XI" against the Bulls with Sam Bowen having 'compiled a squad featuring some of the best senior players in the county'.

Leominster Minors u18 side will face the Bulls u18 side at 10.30am before the main event at 1pm. Ticket details for the day are still to be confirmed.

Aldershot's Administrator has postponed Monday's planned CVA meeting as he irons out a number of details with the preferred bidder. The unnamed party will now present a CVA proposal to creditors on Thursday. The Supporters Trust is in talks with the bidder, but may yet launch their own bid for the club if donations from fans reach a sufficient level.

Luton Chief Executive Gary Sweet believes the new financial reporting Conference clubs will have to do this season will stop some of their rivals challenging their spending levels. Clubs have to submit break-even budgets and, with Luton having sold over 4,000 season tickets this summer, Sweet believes “It could mean that our main competitors can’t quite get away with some of the things they’ve done in the past.”

Around 150 Coventry fans gathered outside the Ricoh Arena yesterday to protest against the club's move away from the ground. The club's Supporters Trust met with Football League representatives on Thursday to discuss the club's plight. Kidderminster boss Steve Burr is to take two Australian players on trial when they start pre-season training. Burr has only seen the pair, both described as utility players, on DVD after receiving a tip-off.

Macclesfield Associate Director Andy Scott says the club was debt-free when it was relegated from League Two last summer. Scott told the local radio the club amassed £500,000 of debt over the past 12 months, leading to their current problems. Halifax have signed forwards Kevin Holsgrove and Josh Wilson from Conf North side Guiseley.

In a recent interview, former Hereford United player Gary Bowyer, now manager at Blackburn, recalls what it was like playing for his father.

After a long career father Ian became player-manager at Edgar Street in October 1987. He took over from John Newman.

Gary joined the Bulls in 1989 after leaving Westfields. He was a full back.

"I played under him at Hereford and he was very demanding," Gary told the Lancashire Telegraph.

"I think we played together twice. I don't think anyone has done that since.

"The first time my dad was sub and we were losing at Scunthorpe. He brought himself on and we drew 3-3.

"I can remember I was the one who scored the equaliser and looking back I think he was the only one who didn't come and congratulate me, because it was my fault for the first goal. (Gary's goal was described as a 'spectacular 90th minute overhead kick')

"When we got back into the dressing room he reminded me that if I had not made that mistake we would have won 3-2.

"But as I look back now it was the right way to deal with it. It brought me back down to earth. He didn't treat me any differently, if anything it was always made harder."

Gary made 14 league appearances for the Bulls and also helped them to victory in the Welsh Cup in 1990.

"Hereford were in the Welsh Cup for some reason and we won it that year at the Cardiff Arms Park.

"We beat Wrexham. I was 18 and playing in a cup final in a massive stadium.

"We had Darren Peacock in the team, I roomed with him that weekend I remember.

"They were happy days for me and I always look out for Hereford's results."

Ian left Hereford after the 89/90 season and went back to coaching at Birmingham, Nottingham Forest and later in Scotland.

"I'm so fortunate that I've got that wealth of knowledge to turn to," said Gary.

Hereford United are expected to reveal full details of their proposed share issue this coming week. It had been hoped that shareholders would have been sent a letter containing the details and also a date for a meeting for discussions late last week. But BN understands that, as at Thursday, there were a couple of points still to be clarified.

Shareholders will have to agree to the proposals at a meeting before the club can go ahead with the issue.

Meanwhile details of the new debenture scheme were sent to potential interested parties last week.

The scheme, which is to be called the "1939 Executive Club", will 'afford its members the opportunity to watch professional football combined with networking in the Boardroom with other likeminded individuals, colleagues, families and friends enjoying fine hospitality in the Executive Boardroom'.

The launch date for the 'Club' will be on Monday September 9th when former high profile politician Michael Portillo will be the main guest.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

In an extended live interview this afternoon, Martin Foyle spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester about pre-season at Edgar Street.

Firstly he was asked by Terry Goodwin for H&W how easy was it to switch ones phone off especially on holiday.

"You've got no chance," said the Hereford United manager.

"You are more accessible, ten or fifteen years ago you only had the office phone and the home phone.

"Agents can get you anytime of the day, they don't care when they phone you. At the end of the day they are just trying to give you a player or recommend someone.

"So you've got to listen especially given the position we're in this season."

What about the players signed to date?

"A lot of people will analyse what we are going to bring in, how many we are going to bring in but, so far, the fourteen that we've brought in through the summer I've got to say I've already got a selection problem, like getting eleven out of that fourteen.

"Obviously we've got to get a few more in.

"From last season we've only got Luke Graham on board so it's a massive change around."

Foyle was then asked if any more players from last season might sign again.

"They made their demands at the end of last season, what they were looking for. You can totally understand some wanted to play football, some were worried that perhaps they should get a job and play part-time. They all had their own bits and pieces, I totally respect that as today is a harsh environment, especially in the football world."

Foyle reminded listeners that there isn't too much money at Edgar Street at present.

"I'm working for Hereford and we've got to make another (cut-back) this year but we understand the plight the club has been in.

"The chairman and the board of directors have put a lot of money in, probably too much money, so we've got to re-address the situation."

Keeper Daniel Lloyd-Weston was signed by Foyle earlier this week.

"I had him when I was manager and he was in the youth team at Port Vale. Then he had a spell at Cheltenham.

"He's good lad, a good size. And I want two first team goal-keepers to put pressure on each other."

And what other players is Foyle looking for?

"I want a mid-field player, a striker who can play wide and a utility player.

"I think this utility player is so important especially if we are going for smaller numbers. Someone who can play like left back, left mid-field and also wide left mid-field.

"We will have to chop and change. We know we will get injuries, suspensions. I just hope they won't be as harsh and at the wrong time as last year especially with that transfer embargo as well.

"I've got to get players who can play thirty, thirty five games minimum a season."

Pre-season training starts on Monday.

"Players come back in better condition these days.

"We monitor them over the first two or three days, then testing into the following week, then it comes down to half a game then 60 minutes. Just break them in slowly.

"It's not so much about results but to make sure the eighteen, nineteen players get through and ready for the start of the season."

Foyle admited he would like to get involved.

"Me and Andy Porter are the biggest kids going around and with Pete Beadle on board as well we enjoy our football.

"We are lively and you want to get involved.

"Andy can do a bit more running than me, I've just got the whistle and stop-watch, you know you're getting a bit older!"

Aldershot are down to five contracted players after defender Doug Bergqvist left the club in favour of a move to Exeter. The Swedish born 20 year old made only one start for the Shots last term. Nuneaton will have ten trialists with them as they start pre-season training. Among them will be defender Neil Cartwright and forward Danny Newton, both of whom were released by the Boro at the end of last season.

Hyde are to trial teenage Kettering midfielder Ben Ford. The 19 year old started last season with Nuneaton but joined the Poppies midway through the campaign. The plans for a sports village in Cambridge may have to ditch a new stadium for the club in order to progress. Plans for the development were thrown out by council chiefs last month.

Macclesfield have added youth team striker Jay Burgess to their first team squad for the coming season. The 19 year old made one start for the first team last season, scoring in a 4-1 loss at Newport. Chester have sold 350 of their target 750 Adult season tickets. They have sold 774 season tickets in total.

Friday, June 28, 2013

The meeting of the Supporters Trust Working Group last night saw the Trust's constitution agreed.

The constitution, based on Supporters Direct's model rules as used by hundreds of Trusts across the country, will now be submitted to the Financal Conduct Authority (formerly the FSA), for acceptance which will enable the Trust to become a legal entity.

Planning was also started on the Trust's launch night, which is hoped to take place in late August at the Starlite Rooms, with several offers of help already noted.

The Trust's logo competition was also discussed, with a large number of submissions already received and more welcome ahead of the July 5th deadline. Any schools still wishing to take part in the junior competition over the coming week can email hufctrust@gmail.com for details, while anyone wishing to enter the main competition can also submit their designs to that address.

Supporters Direct representative Kevin Rye was also present to offer help and advice to working group members. Kevin, a Wimbledon fan, also noted he remained bemused why they released Chris Bush - although he is very thankful for Harry Pell.

Even though some 20 people are part of the Working Group already, more additions are always welcome. The next meeting is on July 11th, in the Starlite Rooms, and anyone who would like to help guide the Trust into existence, or has ideas for fundraising, can email hufctrust@gmail.com to offer their support.

The Bulls Football In The Community will continue under the same control after discussions.

Jamie Edwards and Steve Brotherwood submitted their resignations in favour of a switch to Cardiff after apparently growing frustrated at certain issues within the club.

However talks have now moved towards resolving these frustrations, and the pair - who never wanted to leave - will continue to promote the club with their work that helped the Bulls win the Conference Respect Trophy at the recent AGM.

The Bulls Football In The Community Summer Soccer Schools will be coming to Wellington and Bromyard for the first time this summer:

Wellington FC will be visited on July 22nd and 23rd, with details here.

Bromyard FC will be visited on July 24th, 25th, and 26th, with details here.

Aldershot's Supporters Trust is to continue to seek pledges from fans after telling a meeting they had raised £80,000 so far. The Trust is looking for £500,000 to be able to make a move, with only 200 of 700 pledges so far being placed in the escrow account. Wrexham manager Andy Morrell says his latest striker target has 'gone to ground' after talks over a move to the Racecourse ground. He is the fourth target to disappear from Morrell's radar.Halifax's trials day, where players paid £60 to get a trial with the club, attracted over 100 trialists over two days. They have selected a 17-man trialist side to play a full friendly in the coming weeks, with one 'winner' getting a pro contract. Woking boss Garry Hill says the club's budget for the coming season will be £300,000. The figure has not changed from last season.Barnet chairman Tony Kleanthous has said that the Premier League is 'geared towards it's own benefit' and the football pyramid below it is crumbling away. He told Sports Direct News that Premier League clubs had benefited from 100 years of the football system, but they were in danger of destroying it.Grimsby have confirmed the signing of York midfielder Patrick McLaughlin on a two year deal. The 22 year old spent the last two years as a regular with the Minstermen, helping them to gain Football League status. Macclesfield have signed youth teamer Josh Green to a professional contract. The defensive midfielder was part of new boss John Askey's youth side over the last two seasons.SPL side Hearts have agreed pay cuts with a number of players, but have made striker John Sutton redundant after he rejected a request to cut his pay. Scottish sides can make such moves as the Scottish FA doesn't demand football creditors be paid like the English FA does. Coventry's Administrator has stated that it has 'completed' the sale of the club to SISU-related company Otium. The deal still needs to go through a CVA and get Football League approval.Macclesfield have signed keeper Rhys Taylor for the coming season. The 23 year old ended last term with the Silkmen after being released by Preston.

Tamworth have agreed deals with two of last season's side. Forwards Stuart Hendrie and Scott James have agreed non-contract terms for the coming season, with youngster James likely to be loaned out to get experience. Salisbury caretaker boss Mikey Harris says he wants the manager's job full time. The assistant to former boss Darrell Clarke is one of 40 applicants for the job.

Luton MD Gary Sweet says the club has received interest in some of their transfer listed players. Scott Rendell, Arnaud Mendy, Simon Ainge, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner and Dean Brill are all available for transfer, with Sweet saying the club isn't necessarily looking for fees but it is unlikely to agree deals with any of their title rivals. Sweet also says manager John Still still has funds available to sign further players.Gateshead winger Josh Gillies has completed his move to Carlisle after the two sides finally agreed a deal. The transfer had been delayed by three weeks while the two sides argued over the fee. Southport have signed forward Danny Hattersley for the coming season. The 21 year old ended the season on loan with the Sandgrounders from Stockport, and was released earlier in the summer.Chester have signed striker Marc Williams for the coming season after selling Antoni Sarcevic yesterday. The 24 year old netted 14 times last term for the Blues, but was released in May with boss Neil Young deeming him surplus to requirements. Coventry are reported to have told former Bulls loanee Steven Jennings he is free to leave the club. The 28 year old was a virtual ever-present last term, his first back in England after three years at Motherwell.

With the Football League starting a week earlier than the Conference this season, most sides returned to training this week. James McQuilkin has been spied in pictures put up by Walsall on their Facebook page of their opening day of training.

Steve Leslie is at Torquay trying to earn a deal along with former Gulls loanee Jordan Robertson and ex-Accrington loanee Aris Nsiala. The Gulls have lost the services of former Bulls trialist Ian Morris, with the winger joining Northampton, while another former trialist, Burton's Jacques Maghoma, has signed for Sheff Weds.

Elsewhere, Newport - who are rumoured to have spoken to James Bittner - say they will have four different keepers in to trial to be backup to first choice Lenny Pidgley. The Exiles are also trialling ex-Cheltenham midfielder Jamie Edge, and former Shrewsbury and Southampton striker Ryan Doble.

Meanwhile, one keeper target for the Bulls is set to stay with his current club. Herefordian Lee Burge is set to be Coventry's regular back-up keeper for the coming season, ending hopes of a loan deal.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Macclesfield have withdrawn their offer to hand game time to anyone willing to put £20,000 into the club.

A club statement offers apologies to the Conference and footballing authorities:

'We now recognise that, whatever controls are put in place, it creates a
possibility of altering the outcome of a competitive fixture and as
such, clearly crosses an important line with respect to the integrity of
the game. We are therefore withdrawing the offer and would like to
apologise unreservedly to the football authorities and to the Football
Conference for our error of judgement in this matter.'

Since the offer was made public to the local press mid-afternoon, it had received national mainstream press coverage highlighting the Silkmen's cash problems.

Former Bull Andy Gallinagh has joined Conf South side Bath City for the coming season.

28 year old Gallinagh spent the second half of the 2011/12 season with the Romans before signing a one year deal at Edgar Street. The second half of his spell was plagued by injury, missing all of January and the final six weeks of the season.

He told Bath's official site: "I am very excited to be
returning, and look forward to next season very much. I enjoyed our
first session, it feels very very positive, and they are a
really good group of lads."

Chester have sold midfielder Antoni Sarcevic to Fleetwood for an undisclosed fee.

The England C man leaves after two successful seasons with the Cheshire side. Boss Neil Young claimed he was worthy of a six-figure fee, but a club statement says the fee will remain undisclosed at the request of the League Two side.

Chester say they will put additional money into their playing budget as a result of the sale. Fleetwood bought Kidderminster striker Jamille Matt in January for a reported £300,000 fee, warming the bench for half the games he was eligible for after an indifferent start to Football League life.

Macclesfield have put up a cameo appearance in a game up for sale for £20,000.

The offer is for someone to make a 10 minute appearance in a league or cup match played by the Silkmen. The offer is open to 'fit males' from 18 to 35.

Associate Director Andy Scott told the local press that manager John Askey was behind the plan, but it would not be used to jeopardise a winning situation:“It’s common knowledge that the club is in a precarious position and the club are looking at all avenues to keep the club running.

“John Askey and the management have bought into the situation and it’s a wonderful opportunity for someone to become a professional footballer for a week. As far as we know it has never been done before so it is a unique moment in English football.”

"If we are 3-0 up with 10 minutes to go that would be a good opportunity for John to utilise the situation. There’s absolutely no way we would do it unless it was the right moment in the right game.”

The Bulls were the opponents when Doncaster chairman John Ryan, then 52, was fielded in their final Conference league match in April 2003. Doncaster were winning 4-2 when he came onto the pitch in the 90th minute.

Salisbury have signed winger Elliott Frear following his release by Exeter. The 22 year old spent much of last season on loan with the Whites, who have also agreed new deals with brothers Robbie and Stuart Sinclair for the coming term. Newport's AGM revealed that their recent debt consolidation had seen nearly £700,000 of debt cut to a bank loan of £160,000. Shareholders were told much of the debt was accrued during the 11/12 season when gates fell substantially.

Barnet have signed winger Keanu Marsh-Brown for the coming season. The 20 year old former Yeovil man spent the final month of the season with the Bees after being released from Huish Park. The Bees are to also sign Welling defender Anthony Acheampong for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £15,000. The England C man, 23, has spent the last three years with the Wings.

Wrexham boss Andy Morrell says he will test himself in pre-season to decide whether he continues playing for the coming season. The 37 year old played 28 times last term. Tamworth have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Cameron Belford for the coming season. The 24 year old, son of manager Dale, spent the last six years with Bury.Kettering owner Imraan Ladak has sold the club for £1 to supporter Richie Jeune. He will now run the club, as he has done for the past year, with the Supporters Trust. Former Bull Danny Blanchett has signed for Havant and Waterlooville for the coming season. The 26 year old defender ended last season with Cambridge City after being released by York.

New Bulls defender Dominic Collins has spoken to the Chester Standard about his move to Edgar Street:

“I have a lot to thank Neil [Young, Chester manager] for, even though I was a bit surprised to be allowed to leave Chester. I am grateful that Neil let me leave Chester without asking for any kind of compensation or fee and that made the move to Hereford straightforward.

“He could have kept hold of me and I could have been sitting on the bench for Chester next season because George (Horan) and Paul (Linwood) look like they are the first choice pairing. So I have to thankful that he has allowed me to go and play football, whether that was a league below or full-time.”

“Neil explained his reasons for allowing me to leave, and although I was a little bit surprised as I’ve said, he knows that I want to be playing football. Not playing regularly started to reflect on my performances towards the end of last season and myself and Neil had many conversations about me not playing."

Collins was asked about how his move came about:

“It was strange because I sent out a tweet about leaving Chester and later that day I had a phone call asking me to come to Hereford, it was perfect timing.

“Two weeks later I went down to have a look around and speak to the manager and look at the facilities and what he had to say really impressed me. The manager wants hungry lads who may have things to work on, but have the chance to do that every day with more sessions if necessary.

“The move wasn’t about money but about trying to make the most of what is a really good opportunity for me at a full-time football club. I will be living in the Hereford area and giving it my all to make the move a successful one.”

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The 27 year old played 13 times for the Bulls at the end of last season, before being released by relegated Stockport. Silkmen boss John Askey told their official site:

“He’s another local lad and of course has a connection with the
club as I used to play alongside his dad here. He’s had a good season at
Stockport and Hereford and is another who has been attracting attention
elsewhere, and turned down more money elsewhere to sign for us here.

“He’s certainly got the right attitude for us and is just the type of
player we want at the club. He’s a big, powerful lad, a box to box
player who has versatility in being able to play in the middle and at
the back.”

Meanwhile, former Bulls loanee Febian Brandy has left Walsall for Sheff Utd. The out of contract 24 year old leaves the Saddlers after a single season.

With Dan Hanford released, and James Bittner confirming his departure earlier today, the Bulls are expected to seek a senior keeper to join new arrival Daniel Lloyd-Weston in competing for the first team spot.

The Non-League Paper were first off the mark to link Salisbury keeper Will Puddy to the Bulls. The 25 year old remains out of contract with the Whites, but the paper also linked him to Bristol Rovers - where former Salisbury boss Darrell Clarke became assistant boss last week.

A quick look on the PFA's Transfer List page shows a string of keepers currently seeking new clubs. Some of those have Conference experience, like Scott Bevan. The 33 year old has experience of this level with Torquay, Kidderminster, and Tamworth and - barring last season's bench warming - had spent the previous two years as a first team regular in League Two.

Former Bulls reserve keeper Glyn Thompson spent five years as the regular no.1 at Newport, including two in the Conference, but has been released this summer after a season collecting splinters on the Rodney Parade bench.The forums have been talking about released Exeter keeper Rhys Evans, after the one-time Chelsea trainee announced on Twitter that he had agreed a contract starting August 1st but was unable to announce his destination. Some were quick to link him to the Bulls when Bittner responded with a good luck message.Meanwhile, it is understood that the Bulls will operate with a part-time goalkeeping coach next season to replace Dan Connor.

Kettering are facing a winding up petition over their brief stay at Nene Park. Rushden & Diamonds Ltd, the stadium holding company rather than the dissolved club, has hijacked a petition that the Poppies had settled with the taxman. They have 28 days to reach an agreement over unpaid rent at the ground or face closure. Ryan Bowman has retained the no.19 shirt at York that he wore with the Bulls.

Fleetwood midfielder Gerard Kinsella, who played on loan for Telford last season, has been banned by the FA for two years after testing positive for Nandrolone. The 21 year old has a right to appeal the decision, which will see him sidelined until February 2015. Former Bulls loanee David Cornell is wanted by St Mirren on loan. The Swansea stopper, 22, hasn't played a first team game since leaving Edgar Street, warming the bench for the Premier League side on a number of occasions.

Oldham are looking for a training kit sponsor, offering the company involved their money back if the club win promotion. The asking price for the deal is £9,750. Bury have issued a statement denying that former Port Vale CEO Perry Deakin is a director of the club. A club statement says the lambasted former Vale chief is only a consultant and has no financial input into the new board at Gigg Lane.

King's Lynn Town say that striker Ryan Robbins has quit the club just days after signing due to abuse received on internet forums. The 25 year old scored 34 goals for his previous side last term, and is now expected to sign for one of their rivals. Grimsby are targetting York midfielder Pat McLaughlin to be their next summer signing. The 22 year old Northern Ireland u21 man came through Newcastle's youth team, making 80 appearances for the Minstermen over the last two years.Southport have signed midfielders Jamie Milligan and Paul Rutherford for the coming season. Milligan, 33, spent the end of last season on loan at Hyde before his release from Fleetwood. Winger Rutherford, 25, spent the last four years with Barrow after coming through Chester's youth team. The Football League say they plan to make no decision on Coventry until the Administrator has held a creditors meeting. Fans have protested to the League about the club being likely to fall back into SISU's hands.Newport have put matchday prices up by £3 for their debut Football League season. Matchday Adult tickets will cost between £17 and £20, although advance tickets offering a £2 discount will be available.

Young goalkeeper Daniel Lloyd-Weston has signed on at Edgar Street for the coming season.

The 21 year old former Port Vale youngster had a spell with Cheltenham before trying his hand in Greek football until a lack of payment saw him return to the UK. More recently, he has played for Leek Town and Market Drayton while offering his services via his own website and training with Crewe.

He is expected to be joined at the club by an experienced stopper.

Meanwhile, James Bittner has told his Twitter followers: 'Like to say a big thank you to everyone at Hereford Utd. Had a great year there last year, and wish the lads & the fans the best next season'

Sam Clucas has spoken to Mansfield's official site about his move to the League Two newcomers.

He told them that an existing Stag had helped him make his mind up: “I spoke to Luke O’Neill, who I know from my days at Leicester, before I made the decision to come here, and he had nothing but praise for the club. I’m from Lincoln, so I already know a little bit about the club, but it seems to have a good management team, good facilities and good support.

“My first impressions have all been positive and all the players were very welcoming in my first training session too, so I can’t wait to get my Mansfield Town career started.”

“It’s only over the past year that I’ve been playing on the left-wing. Martin Foyle switched me to that position and I enjoyed it. I played up front for six years during my youth career and I’ve played on the right side before too. So, if needed, I can play anywhere across the front four really.”

That lot up the A49 might have to mail a map to Turkey if their prestige friendly is to take place.

For the last couple of days, on Galatasaray's official site, the Turkish giants informed fans they would be playing Swindon Town instead - before making hasty changes to the site when the mistake was noticed.

Tamworth manager Dale Belford says he has beaten Kidderminster to the signing of former Bull Jordan Rose.

The 23 year old ended the season at Alfreton after impressing with Telford during the first half of the campaign, telling the Tamworth Herald: "There was interest from a number of clubs including Kidderminster so it's a great coup for us.

"He's very big, quick and athletic and I think he can make a real impact. I felt last season we lacked pace at the back but we have rectified that this season.

"We are nearly there now in terms of the squad. A keeper, one more outfield player and a couple of loans will see us ready for the season now."

Belford is understood to have solved his keeper issue with the signing of his son Cameron. The 24 year old spent six years with Bury, making 78 appearances, before being released this summer. He also had loan spells with Southend and Accrington.

A number of former Bulls have learned their European opponents after this morning's draw in the qualifiers for the Champions League and Europa League.

Gary Hooper's Celtic will visit Northern Irish side Cliftonville in the Champions League second qualifying round. Bala Town, home of Kenny Lunt and Ryan Valentine, will face Levadia Talinn of Estonia in the Europa League, while Jason Price's Prestatyn Town will make their international debut with a tie against Latvian side Metalurgs.

The bookies seem to be expecting a tight title race in the Conference this season, with Luton and Forest Green hard to separate.

The Gloucestershire side are now favourites with every bookmaker, with odds as low as 3/1, with both them and Luton available at 5/1. Kidderminster have been cut from 10/1 to 17/2 over the last month, but the only other serious movers have been downwards.

Aldershot are now out to 150/1 after opening up at 40/1, while Macclesfield's admittance of financial problems and subsequent budget constraints have seen them slip from 16/1 to 33/1.

The Bulls remain available at 33/1 for the title after increasing their squad over the last two weeks from one player to nine. Martin Foyle's side is 16/1 for promotion, and 5/1 for a top five finish.

To finish in the bottom four, Aldershot have been cut from an inital 6/1 to 11/10. Also, oddly, Forest Green are only the 20/1 seventh safest offering despite being favourites for the title. Rivals Luton are 150/1.

Alfreton have lost the services of striker Ashley Worsfold after he turned down a new deal with the club to sign for Conf North side Harrogate instead. The 22 year old made only one start for the Reds last term. New Bury owner Stewart Day says there is 'no quick fix' at the club. The 31 year old assumed control earlier in the month, and says it will take 2-3 years to turn the club around.

Chester midfielder Antoni Sarcevic says the club don't want to be also-rans and accept safety in their first season in the fifth tier. Chester officials were reported to be surprised by their 12/1 sixth-favourite position with the bookies, but Sarcevic says the team is used to winning and doesn't intend to stop because they've reached this level. Portsmouth say they may increase their planned playing budget in the light of strong season ticket sales.

Barnet have transfer listed striker Jon Nurse. The 32 year old scored four times in 28 games last season, but was often deployed as a lone striker. Kidderminster boss Steve Burr will trial youth team defender Tyrone Williams in pre-season to see whether he is ready for the first team. The 18 year old is one of sixty members of the club's academy partnership with Stourbridge College under the guidance of former Bull Steve Guinan.Lincoln boss Gary Simpson has denied reports linking the club to former Macclesfield man John Rooney. Simpson was at the Silkmen with Rooney, who is a free agent after leaving Barnsley. Simpson says he wants to sign four more players, two of which will be strikers. Woking have signed midfielder Josh Payne for the coming season. The 22 year old last played for Aldershot, after time at Gillingham, but was sacked last December after being jailed for an assault.Crewe have announced the signing of Macclesfield defender Thierry Audel. The Frenchman was also a target for Luton, who trialled him in January before he signed for the Silkmen.

There are a few tickets left for this Friday's Robbie Williams Tribute Night.

The night features Mike Andrew as Robbie Williams (link), with support from vocalist Amy Lee. Tickets, which cost £20 including a two course meal, are available from the club Reception on 08442 761939.

Former Bulls defender John Brough has spoken about his first senior managerial job at Bishops Cleeve.

The 40 year old has coached youth sides up to a brief spell as first team coach at Southend, before ending last season scouting for Everton's Academy, but will now step up to the top job at the Southern League side:

"I am really looking forward to cutting my teeth in the management game now. I've had a good grounding and learned from some very strong characters throughout my career and I am pleased to get this opportunity.

"I've always had a say, whether it's been taken on board or not and I think that's put me in good stead."

Elsewhere, Mathieu Manset has been strongly linked with a move to Wigan after he tweeted, then removed, messages linking him to the Championship club. The free agent striker was released by Carlisle earlier in the summer.

Meanwhile, former striker Yoann Arquin has been called up by Martinique in their 35 man preliminary squad for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The French territory is not a member of FIFA, so cannot play in the World Cup, but is a member of the local federation and members of it's national side can also play for France.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Shrewsbury have announced a high profile friendly with Turkish side Galatasaray. The League One side have paid a substantial fee for the game, stating that they were concerned at being outbid by bigger sides if news of negotiations leaked out. Former Bulls loanee Matthew Lund has agreed a two year deal with Rochdale. The former Crewe trainee was released by Stoke earlier in the summer.

Nuneaton boss Kevin Wilkin says a deal to bring released Walsall forward Connor Taylor to the club could collapse as they are unable to offer him full time football. The 21 year old spent much of last season with the Boro on loan. Wilkin has signed another former loanee, with Louis Moult agreeing a deal for next season following his release from Northampton.

Dartford have signed AFC Hornchurch forward Lewis Smith for the coming season. The 23 year old netted 12 times for the relegated Conf South side last term. The Darts have missed out on another targetman, with Charlie Sheringham opting to join AFC Wimbledon instead. Wrexham say they have sold 877 season tickets in two weeks on sale.

The transfer of Gateshead winger Josh Gillies to Carlisle is still to be completed, three weeks after the Heed announced he was leaving. The two sides have failed to agree a fee, with the Cumbrian side apparently unwilling to take a chance on a transfer tribunal.

Cambridge chairman Dave Doggett says the club has budgeted for attendances to be the same as last season's 2,281 average. The budget has been increased slightly after originally being announced as a 2,100 break-even target, but is still below last season's figure. Doggett also says that 50% of the club's income comes from commercial activities.

The search for a title sponsor for the Conference continues, with the competition still struggling to find a commercial partner.

The Bulls announced on Thursday that they had been told to print season ticket books with the Conference logo on it rather than that of a title sponsor, suggesting a deal is not even close. Failure to agree a sponsor deal is likely to see the annual £50,000 central payment to clubs cut by a five figure sum.

Meanwhile, news on the Bulls' own sponsorship deal with Cargill is still uncertain. David Keyte told shareholders at the recent meeting that company executives were due to discuss the matter at a senior level in early June.

Cargill have sponsored the Bulls since 1991, putting somewhere in the region of £1million into the club over that time.

Bulls boss Martin Foyle has spoken to the Non-League Paper about the new arrivals at Edgar Street.

With the paper calling the arrivals of Chris Bush, Danny Pilkington, and Dominic Collins 'eye-catching', Foyle tells them: "Danny did really well for Kidderminster last year, but they were looking at a couple of other lads for his position and I think he realised his time was up.

"I got to have a good look at Chris towards the end of the season, which is why I brought him in on loan. It's hard to believe he's still only 21 when he's played so much at this level for AFC Wimbledon and Gateshead, but he's got a lovely left foot.

Danny Pilkington - pic from Wikipedia

"And I had Dom with me when I was in charge at Northwich Victoria for six weeks the season before last, so I know him well. I always thought he was one like Chey Dunkley, who was in the same league at the time. I recommended Dunks to League clubs, and I thought Dom was probably better at the time.

"But he needed full-time training and he was probably disappointed that Chester didn't go that way. They decided to let him go and I'm pleased to have him. I think Dom can offer me a lot."

Former Bull Kenny Lunt will have an eye on Monday's draw for the first qualifying round of this season's Europa League competition as his current team, Bala Town, face the possibility of meeting up with the likes of Rosenborg, Honved, Rubin Kazan and CSKA Sofia who are managed by Hristo Stoichkov.

The North Wales outfit will be hoping for an interesting away trip in this two-leg tie.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Three weeks today, the Bulls will open their pre-season campaign at Leominster Town.

Martin Foyle currently has nine players announced as having signed up for the campaign, but has four or five more lined up for deals according to interviews earlier in the week.

The forums, and Twitter, have been flowing with names of these additional players. It is expected that they are all currently with Football League sides, and still being paid until the end of the month, so will not be announced until the last ounce of their current deals have been drained - a tactic well used during the Bulls' previous Conference stay.

Meanwhile, former Bull Stuart Fleetwood did a Q&A session with Luton fans last night. In it, the striker said he had turned down moves to both the SPL and a League Two side due to the distances involved in travelling from his family.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Tamika Mkandawire is the latest former Bull to join the village hall tribute act up the A49.

Speaking to Shrewsbury's official site, the defender said: "I'm delighted to have signed. It's good to team up with Graham Turner, Tony Ford and John Trewick again and I'm looking forward to an exciting season.

"The move had been in the mix for a little while but there was a lot for me to contemplate, obviously moving from London, but it's the right decision for me and my wife and we've got a child on the way.

Mkandawire played over 100 games for the Bulls before moves to Leyton Orient and Millwall. His time at the New Den was blighted by injury, making just 17 appearances for the Lions in his final two years, and he ended the past season on loan at Southend.

Sam Clucas has tweeted that he has signed his Mansfield Town contract.

The fee is likely to be decided by a tribunal, with the 22 year old telling his Twitter followers:

'Would like to say a big thankyou to every1 at Hereford for all their help, will always look out for their score and hope they get promotion this season, with the manager they have there in Martin Foyle they can get out of that league easily. Good luck and thankyou :)'

Clucas played a total of 66 times for the Bulls, netting 11 goals including two in his final appearance on the last day of the season.Stags boss Paul Cox has spoken to their official site about the signing: “In Sam, we have signed an offensive player who will add a lot of quality to our play in the final third.

“He’s a young boy who I feel has the potential to play at a very high level in the game if he continues his learning curve.”

Barnet are being accused of ignoring communication from Wealdstone over the Ryman League side's right to play games at the Hive. Planning consent was given to build the complex with a clause that the Stones would eventually use the site, in their home borough, as their base but a club statement claims that the Bees have ignored attempts to discuss the matter. The Stones have had a series of temporary homes since selling their own ground 17 years ago.

Wrexham boss Andy Morrell has missed out on another striker target, with the player preferring to stay with his Football League side to see how pre-season pans out. Former Bulls loanee Febian Brandy is in talks over a move to Sheff Utd from current club Walsall. The Saddlers would not get a fee for the out of contract 24 year old, who scored seven times in 37 games last term.

Tamworth have signed experienced striker Justin Richards. The 32 year old had spells last season with Burton and Oxford, scoring once in 20 games for the two League Two sides. Barnet have cancelled their end of season awards night next week for undisclosed reasons. The Player of the Year night was only put on sale at the start of the month.

Aldershot have cancelled both of their planned home friendlies in July. Leyton Orient pulled out of their planned visit to the Rec after securing a game with the reformed New York Cosmos, with the Shots cancelling the other game so they can concentrate on pitch renovations. Salisbury are reported to have received applications from ex-keeper Tim Flowers and veteran boss Brian Little for their vacant manager's job.Cambridge have signed defender Greg Taylor on a two year deal after his release by Luton. The 23 year old started only 13 games after a cash move from Darlington last summer, and ended the season on loan at Mansfield. Hearts' Administrator has made 11 office staff redundant as part of cost-cutting at the ailing SPL side. Administrator Bryan Jackson, who has dealt with five other clubs including Portsmouth, has called the situation 'as bad as any that I've come across'.Coventry fans have been told that their club-linked accounts with the Coventry Building Society are to close due to the uncertainty at the League One side. The Sky Blues have also lost their major sponsor, who have opted not to renew their three year deal. The club's stewards are also reported to have refused to follow the club out of the Ricoh Arena, with Walsall having reported turned down talks with the club over a groundshare.

Tamworth have signed defender Tom Eckersley for the coming season. The former Bolton trainee spent last season with Accrington but had brief loan spells with Stockport and Barrow. Rotherham boss Steve Evans says he has had interest in transfer listed ex-Bull Lionel Ainsworth, with the winger given permission to speak to clubs. He is one of three players listed following the Millers' promotion.

While never officially released by the Bulls Carruthers' remained on the list of players to be spoken to but, as the summer has worn on, it became clear that the former Northampton man was not going to be offered a new deal at Edgar Street.

He started 18 Conference games for the Bulls with his season at Edgar Street blighted by a series of injuries, missing five months of the season in total.

For those who attended our first music
revival gig at the Starlite Rooms, Mod Nite 2013, we hope you really
enjoyed yourselves. Due to time constraints we were unable to hold
the Auction of memorabilia on the night but are pleased to announce a
blind auction on the items available to bid on – open to all HUFC &
music fans.

All bids to be emailed to
modnite@hotmail.co.uk
by Saturday 22nd June 12:00pm. Winners will be contacted
by email or phone later that day. Local pickup/delivery preferred
otherwise postage at Royal Mail cost

The auction is a blind auction whereby
a bid is placed in excess of the reserve price and the results are
announced after the close date and time. No correspondence on bid
levels received except to indicate that the reserve bid has already
been met. Please do not ask as there are no exceptions.

We intend to hold various themed nights
with a 3 to 4 month gap and plans are in place for Ska, New
Wave/Punk, 80’s and other genres etc. Many thanks to those who
attended Mod Nite 2013 and to those who made the night possible. To
leave comments good & bad, please visit the Mod Nite event page
on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/607523539261789/?fref=ts

You will also find out what happened to
the Rickenbacker type guitar that was won by Vicki Cattermoul

For those who asked when XL5 playing
next, you will find them at the Golden Cross at Sutton St Nicholas on
Friday 28th June

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